African festival at White Horse on Nov. 21

The sights, sounds and flavors of Africa will be but a short car ride away on Thursday, Nov. 21. Proceeds from the event, which includes three African-inspired musical performances, food from Senegal and a silent auction, support Africa Healing Exchange.

From a press release:

Zansa, whose name is Ivory Coast slang for “combination” or “blend”, plays music that’s a created out of traditional and modern West African styles. Led by 33rd generation Ivorian djembe master Adama Dembele, the Asheville based group’s multicultural mix incorporates modern afropop with African folk music, drumming and the fiery Ivory Coast street music called Zouglou.

The La’Ney West African Dance and Percussion Ensemble’s footwork is led by Nadirah Rahman, a full time dance educator at Erwin High School. She’s studied extensively here and abroad with experts in African dance, and has danced professionally with several companies. Musical director Soriba Dioubate is also a key player in the ensemble who absorbed music as a child from the great Guinean players that surrounded him. He has mastered the ballophone, doundoun, kiringi and kora from Guinean tradition, but it was the djembe that ultimately called to Soriba. He brings to La’Ney performances an expertise honed through leading and playing with leading touring African dance companies.

Also joining in the festivities is Wild Bodema Women’s Drumming Troupe, who came together to form a dynamic and empowering circle through the rhythms of African drumming. Musical director Ann Lovell leads weekly gatherings that aim to “communicate, teach and remind us of our inherent connection to our own inner rhythm.”

Tasty food flavors from Senegal will also be offered for sale (cash only) by SOCE, and a silent auction will feature local items and services.

6:30 p.m., $20 in advance. Tickets at the door are $25 adults/$15 students/$8 kids age 12 and under.